Question

A cardiac patient is changed from Gastrocote liquid to Gaviscon liquid, both at a dose of 10mL. qid. Calculate the increased intake of sodium (in millimoles) by the patient if the patient takes the Gaviscon for 7 days at the correct dose. Answer: Gastrocote contains 1.8 mmol Na per 5 mL, Gaviscaon contains 3 mmol Na per 5mL. Please show work.

Answer 1

q.i.d means "four times a day".

Dose of both liquids are 10 ml qid means 40 ml per day.

Now, for 7 days, quantity (volume) of the drug taken = 40* 7 = 280 ml

Since Gaviscaon contains 3 mmol Na/5mL

No. of mmols of Na in Gaviscon for 7 days dose = 280 ml = 280 * (3 mmol/5) = 168 mmol of Na

Also, Gastrocote contains 1.8 mmol Na/5 mL,

No. of mmols of Na in Gastrocote liquid for 7 days dose = 280 ml = 280 * (1.8 mmol/5) = 100.8 mmol of Na

increased intake of Na = 168-100.8 = 67.2 mmols of Na (if the if the patient takes the Gaviscon for 7 days at the correct dose).